Harrington lifts Cougars to victory

Thursday

Jan 10, 2013 at 10:00 PM

By Ed Patinoed.patino@hillsdale.netLESLIE — Chase Harrington saved his biggest shot for last.The senior hit a jumper with less than a second remaining Wednesday, lifting the Will Carleton Academy boys basketball team to a thrilling 51-50 victory over the Leslie Blackhawks in a non-conference game.Will Carleton (3-5) has won two straight games, but this one was more dramatic. After jumping to a seven-point lead in the first quarter, the Cougars saw Leslie (2-5) storm back in the middle two frames to take a 42-36 lead into the fourth.The Cougars began to force Leslie into several turnovers, which they converted into baskets to get back in the game. Will Carleton eventually tied the game at 49-49 in the final minute."We decided to turn up the pressure in the fourth quarter," Will Carleton coach Brian Clark said. "Our defensive pressure really made a difference."The Blackhawks regained the lead with a free throw with 10 seconds remaining. After a Will Carleton timeout, Harrington worked the ball up the court, got past a defender and hit his shot to win it for the Cougars."Chase had been beating his man pretty good all night, and we put the ball in his hands," Clark said.Harrington finished with 18 points and four rebounds to lead the Cougars. Dane Williams added 11 points, while Joel Wheeler had eight points and nine assists. Ben Baxter finished with five points.Noah Jansen scored 11 points to lead Leslie. Jay Tropf had nine points, six rebounds and four steals, while Kaleb Dunn also scored nine points. Trevor Alleman and Matt Subject both finished with six points.Will Carleton travels to Battle Creek Calhoun Christian for a Mid South Conference game Friday.